health

Death toll in Washington tank rupture rises to eight as recovery progresses

Three more people remain missing and are presumed dead, after tank containing chemical mixture collapsed

Death toll in Washington tank rupture rises to eight as recovery progresses

TL;DR

  • Eight workers confirmed dead, three missing and presumed dead after a chemical tank collapse at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co.
  • The tank contained over 500,000 gallons of a chemical mixture used in papermaking.
  • The explosion released a caustic liquid capable of causing severe burns and lung injuries.
  • Eight other people were injured, including a responding firefighter.
  • Recovery efforts are complicated by remaining chemicals and potential structural collapse.
  • Victims' remains must be decontaminated before identification.
  • The cause of the disaster is under investigation.